Jerry Bourquin

Gerald “Jerry” Bourquin, D-22, was a pioneer in both military and civilian skydiving, a decorated Army veteran, a two-tour Vietnam helicopter pilot, and an early member of the U.S. Army Golden Knights whose influence helped shape the future of American parachuting.

Bourquin began his military career in 1951, serving as a foot soldier in the Korean War. In 1957, he earned his Airborne jump wings, and in 1960, became a founding member of the Strategic Army Corps (STRAC) Parachute Team, which would soon evolve into the U.S. Army Parachute Team—known today as the Golden Knights. Jerry played a key role in the early formation of the team, serving as the competition team leader from 1961 to 1964.

A standout competitor, Bourquin represented the United States on the U.S. Style and Accuracy Teams from 1961 through 1964. He won the U.S. National Style Championship in 1962 and finished second overall at the Nationals in both 1962 and 1964. In 1965, he claimed the All Services Champion title. During this time, he also helped design the Golden Knights’ original logos—iconography that is still used by the team today.

Jerry was one of the earliest recipients of the Parachute Club of America’s Gold Wings, earning Gold Wings #2 and becoming the second American skydiver officially recognized for achieving 1,000 skydives. He ultimately logged more than 4,000 jumps and remained a passionate skydiver well into his 80s. He was a proud member of the Jumpers Over Eighty Society (#96) and participated in large formation skydives in Lake Elsinore during his later years.

In addition to his achievements in freefall, Bourquin became a helicopter pilot during his military service—studying with the support of his wife, Wilma Jean, who helped him prepare for his exams. He completed two combat tours in Vietnam as an accomplished pilot. Following his military retirement, Jerry continued his aviation career as the chief test pilot at Hiller Aviation.

In 2014, Jerry Bourquin was inducted into the International Skydiving Hall of Fame in recognition of his lifelong dedication to the advancement of skydiving.

Jerry passed away on January 21, 2021, at the age of 87.